Uplifting

Lets meet up after the holiday season at Astro Beer Hall for happy hour and trivia! — Happy Hour: 5-7pm — Trivia: 7pm Bonus points to anyone that comes up with a dope trivia team name.

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

Life throws challenges at us, health struggles, financial stress, relationship conflicts, and even inner battles with fear, doubt, or frustration. But what if you could shift your mindset and respond with clarity, confidence, and peace? 💖 **The Love Mindset Lounge** is a safe, empowering space where we unpack life’s toughest questions and explore practical ways to navigate challenges through the power of love. Each conversation is designed to spark hope, deepen understanding, and give you tools to create the life you deserve. ✅ **What you’ll gain:** * Real talk on overcoming obstacles in health, finances, relationships, and personal growth * Actionable mindset shifts that lead to lasting transformation * Encouragement from a supportive, like-minded community * Live Q&A and open dialogue to share your voice and story 📅 **Starting August 12** 🕢 **Every Tuesday & Friday at 7:30 PM** 📍 **On Clubhouse** Whether you’re seeking peace, better decisions, or a fresh perspective, this room will help you see that love is the ultimate strategy for life. 📲 **How to join:** You can now join Clubhouse without an invitation! Download the Clubhouse app from Google Play or the Apple App Store, sign up with your phone number, and follow the steps to create your profile and choose your interests. **Join the conversation. Ask questions. Share your experience. Let’s grow together!**

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Skip The Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. ***Rules:*** 1. Don't debate politics. 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group. 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first. \*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave. PS—If you want to support the group (Meetup organizer fees, new card games, misc. materials) then you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/dillantaylor ^^This is 100% optional, and can be done on a one-time or monthly basis. But the meetup will always be free. Thanks! 🙏

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. register: http://aolf.live/introSKY

The temperature is supposed to be in the 50s next Wednesday. Let’s take advantage and go on at walk at Brookside Gardens. It is half price burger day at Stained Glass Pub if anyone wants to go to lunch afterwards. We will meet to the right facing the visitors center.

This is the time of year when many of us ask ourselves the big questions — Am I happy? What's my purpose? Is my life working for me? How can I make this year better than the last? We have New Year's goals and aspirations for our careers, families, relationships, health, wealth and more, believing these will make us happy. But what makes us truly happy? Can living our lives with a more spiritual orientation help us to fully achieve our goals and bring us authentic happiness? Do we really have to choose to focus on one or a few areas or can we fully integrate all aspects of our lives and find true happiness? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the meaning of true happiness. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore our own spiritual growth and the building of diverse, spiritual communities around us. “Man is, in reality, a spiritual being, and only when he lives in the spirit is he truly happy.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\*This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

### 👉 Enroll at [https://www.worklifespanish.com/elementary-a2.html](https://www.worklifespanish.com/elementary-a2.html) Get hooked on the adventures of Julio and María through this original comic TV series. Spanish Sitcom teaches everyday Spanish with the words we need for daily conversation. From meet & greets to telling time, making plans and shopping, this course will offer you a comprehensive review or thorough introduction to the A1 and A2 levels. **​**Day: Sat, 10am - 12pm ET ​Dates: 1/10 - 3/28 \*Not 1/17, 2/14 ​Teacher: Ben Location: Falls Church ### 👉 Enroll at [https://www.worklifespanish.com/elementary-a2.htm](https://www.worklifespanish.com/elementary-a2.html)

Celebrating the multifaceted woman behind the title MOM — through glam, growth, and good tea. Listen… being a mom is a full-time mood. You juggle, you build, you love hard — and still somehow show up looking good. 💁🏾‍♀️ It’s time to pour back into **YOU**. Join us on **Saturday, January 10th 2026** for **She’s a Whole Mood: The Mom Edition** — an elevated, feel-good tea party where you can be pampered, get real, get inspired, and connect with other women who actually get it. From mom boss life to mom style, from surviving the chaos to finding your glow again — this event is all about **honoring the layers that make you a whole vibe.** **Where It’s At:** **RendezVenue Studios –** The Ultimate Mom-Friendly Content +Glam Space **🗓️ Date:** Saturday, Jan 10th ⏰ **Time:** 12:30PM **🎟️ Tickets are LIMITED –** And they WILL go fast! Get yours on Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shes-a-whole-mood-the-mom-edition-new-year-new-boundaries-tickets-1763300472179?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shes-a-whole-mood-the-mom-edition-new-year-new-boundaries-tickets-1763300472179?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swifties-n-onesie-bar-crawl-tickets-1146310899759](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swifties-n-onesie-bar-crawl-tickets-1146310899759)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Join us for the *ultimate* Swifties afternoon out on the town! We’re crawling through the top bars of Dupont Circle, celebrating *Taylor’s* greatest hits, and making memories along the way. Whether you’re a *Blank Space* kind of person or you live for *1989* vibes, this crawl is for YOU! Calling all Swifties, Swifties Moms, Swifties Dads and Swifties Brothers. Tear up the dance floor, because we will be spinning tunes from all eras. Baby, it is cold out there. But we got you covered. Swifties in Onesies! Have funsie in your onesie. Dress up in your favorite onesie, for some bar hopping, at your favorite bars and clubs! **Time**: 2pm-10pm (ticket pick up is from 2-4pm) **Registration is from 2PM-4PM**. You'll receive your souvenirs and wristband. If you can't make it by 4pm, have a friend present your ticket and pick everything up for you. ***Text/Email them your QR Code.*** **But the party and specials continue till 10PM!** **What's in store?** 🎶 Taylor Swift music all day long 🍸 Swiftie-inspired drinks at each stop 🎉 Taylor-themed challenges 📸 Photo ops with your favorite Swiftie squad 🌟 The best Swiftie vibes in town ***FEATURED COCKTAILS :*** * ***French Blonde*** * ***The Alchemy*** * ***Taylor Swift Shot*** **Dress Code**: Taylor Swift-inspired attire (bonus points for *Eras* themed outfits!) What you get: -Cover free admission -Drink specials ($4 beers, $5 Swifties Shots, $6 Rail Drinks) -Photos of the event -Surprise giveaways -A chance to dress in outrageous swiftie gear! **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp' with a saving!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** **Enter the Promo Code 'MERTUP' to redeem your 20% discount!** (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swifties-n-onesie-bar-crawl-tickets-1146310899759) You must be over 21 years of age to participate. **Don't drink and drive! Take public transportation OR Ride Share OR a call a cab.** **FAQs** TICKETS Have your ticket on your phone or a print out. Tickets are transferable and not refundable. You can give your ticket to a friend to use if you cannot attend the event. ID Government issued ID is required! It will be checked at every participating bar that you choose to go to. All participants must be 21 years old or older. WEATHER Event goes on rain, snow or shine! STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Reach out to info@merevents.com **HAPPY CRAWLINGS!!!** Payment Instructions : 1. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' button, on the ticket link. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. **If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card".** 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and it hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1. Go to Settings. 2. Scroll down to Safari and click on it. 3. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. For Google Chrome Users : 1. Open Google Chrome. 2. Click on the three dots and you will see many options. 3. Click on Settings. 4. Scroll down to content settings. 5. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

2025 Is Over… So I’ve Got That Going for Me, Which Is Nice One evening. Two simple parts. All good energy. This night is about sharing, laughing, and creating what’s next in a way that feels easy and human. Part One: 5-Minutes for 2025 Everyone gets 5-minutes to share their 2025. You can • tell one story or a few short ones • read something you wrote • sing a song or play an AI aong about your year or play a aong that represents your year • show pictures • share a small slideshow on Powerpoint • bring a prop or symbol if it helps tell the story There’s no right way to do this. Big personalities and quieter ones are equally welcome. You can be funny, thoughtful, light, reflective, or simple. The more outrageous the better!!!! Have FUNNNNN with this our fellow FAF-er!!!!  You’ll also have one extra minute to say what you’re calling in for 2026. A timer will help keep things flowing so everyone has space. Part Two: Vision Boarding for 2026 In the second half of the night, we’ll create vision boards for 2026. Nothing fancy. Just intentional. Please bring: • A picture frame (at least 8x10, any shape you like) • Keep the paper inside the frame (yes, even the fake family photo) • Magazines or positive books you don’t mind cutting up if you have them • Scissors or glue sticks if you have them I’ll have extra supplies available too. We’ll layer positive images and words over what used to be there and frame what we’re moving toward. Food & Drinks • BYOB • Please bring a food item to share with the group A Few Notes • Event is limited to 30 people • Over 40, Fun & Fabulous crowd • Participation is encouraged, in whatever way feels comfortable for you • Come as you are 2025 gave us stories. Now we choose the next chapter. And yes… we’ve got that going for us. xo, Janine, Nina & Mila, your happy hosts 202-271-0922

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.

Join Soft Life Society for a cozy and intentional Cultural Potluck Night centered on community, connection, and culture. This is a potluck-style gathering where each guest is invited to bring a dish that represents their culture, heritage, or a family tradition. We will be tasting and sharing each other’s cultural foods while connecting through conversation, laughter, and soft living. The evening will also include fun games and a prize for the winner. Drinks will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own favorite beverage if they prefer. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to slow down and enjoy a beautiful evening together. Limited spots available. RSVP required.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon